Unsafe Foods

Grapes & Raisins: Contains chemical compounds that are toxic to dogsGarlic & Onions: Contains chemical compounds that are toxic to dogs and cats it could be life threatening!TomatoesAvocados skins and pitsMushrooms: Especially wild mushroomsFruits with pits: Examples- peaches, cherries and plums. In some cases, it is the pit that is toxic or can present a choking hazard.Nuts: Macadamia nuts are especially toxic.Xylitol: Can be found in some peanut butter and baked goodsChocolate and Caffeine of any kind: Both are toxic to dogs and catsMilk and Dairy Products: These products are not toxic to your dog, but can cause digestive issues.Fat trimmings and Bones: Both cooked and uncooked can cause pancreatitis in dogs.Salt

With many healthy food options available for our furry friends, we as pet parents can help improve our furry friend’s health. The healthy food options can help manage your fur baby’s weight along with daily exercise. The safe food options listed are meant to be treats and not meal replacements. If you would like to switch over to a more organic diet, please consult your veterinarian.

When adding or changing your fur baby’s diet you should watch for any digestive or behavioral changes. If either of these changes are to occur stop feeding the new food. If the problems do not resolve you should seek veterinarian advice.

TLC Pet Services of Fort Mill receives daily posts in regards to lost and found pets by being added to local Facebook groups. It is unfortunate that some of our fur babies find their way out of our fences, bolt for the door, or break away from their pet parents while out on a walk.

We thought this would be a good time to provide some basic tips on what you can do to help your fur baby and other lost fur babies find their way home.

What do you do when you see a dog or cat that is wondering around aimlessly, looks to be uncared for and scared or possibly keeps showing up in your neighborhood? Chances are someone is looking for them. If you are a good Samaritan and want to help this sweet baby find its way home, there are a couple easy steps you can take.

Never chase the dog or cat and ALWAYS remain calm. Squat down or lay down making yourself submissive. Put your hand out and talk softly. If you have a treat that may help bring him in closer. Once you have gotten the fur baby to come to you, bring him to a secure location.

Check for identification. Is he wearing a tag? Take him to the closest vet and have him scanned for a microchip. AC (Animal Control) will also scan for a microchip.

Report to your local AC that you have found what you believe to be a lost pet. It is REQUIRED by law to contact AC within 24 hours or less. They will post a picture and location information if you choose to keep watch until the pet parent is found.

If you are unable to keep the fur child you have found, you can turn him over to AC to be cared for until the pet parent is found. AC will also provide veterinarian care if the fur child is injured. Check with your local AC on their policy for found pets.

Post to your local Lost and Found Pet sites or Nextdoor.com for your local area. This is an easy way to get the word out whether it is because you found a missing fur child or are missing one of your own.

Make a poster for your neighborhood letting others know that a fur baby has been lost or found.

Most importantly, do what you would want someone else to do if they were to find YOUR PET. One day you may need a kind person to do the same for you.

Several of the above steps also apply if your fur baby is lost and you are searching for him.

Go to AC to look for your missing fur baby. File a report with AC letting them know your fur baby is missing. Leave your information and a picture of your fur baby. This is the number one-way fur babies and pet parents are reunited.

If your fur child is micro-chipped notify the company, he is registered with.

Again, post to your local Lost and Found Pet sites or Nextdoor.com for your local area. This is an easy way to get the word that you are missing your fur child.

Make a poster for your neighborhood letting others know that a fur baby has been lost.

If your cat is missing, place used litter outside along with a piece of your worn clothing. The scent will often bring them home.

There is additional information on the internet that can also assist in these types of situations. Sharing information throughout your community is an important step to reuniting our fur babies with their owners.

I have found that a lot of pet parents feel that kitty fur babies are much easier to have as a furry household member because of their independence. However; our kitties relay on their pet parents to provide food, shelter, vet visits for vaccinations, a clean litter box and most importantly Play time and LOVE!

There is a misunderstanding that cats can be left for longer periods of time with no human interaction. This is just simply untrue. Cats are generally good to be left on their own up to 48 hours. Once the 48 hours have passed you will probably have an unhappy feline to come home to. Continue reading →

Some Anxiety Behaviors Are Learned

Separation anxiety in our pets seems to be a common concern of pet parents. I often work with animals that display behaviors of separation anxiety. Some of these behaviors are simulated, which means the behaviors have been learned over time. True separation anxiety causes a dog to experience real stress during the absence of their pet parent.

It’s that time of year again pet parents! The sun is shining the temperature is rising and it is getting HOT here in the south. This is a good time to talk about what is best for your fur baby during this time of year.

Many clients schedule walks during the middle of the day between 11 am and 2 pm. This is when it is really starting to heat up! The pavement is hot, the air is hot and humidity is high. If you are hot, then your fur child is too.

I have done my research in order to keep my clients happy and healthy all year round, but summer heat can be a hazard. The following are some great tips that I have gathered and will continue to use through the dog days of summer. Continue reading →

Pet sitting is a very popular service at this time which provides pet parents a wonderful alternative to doggie daycares and boarding. As pet parents we consider our fur babies as a very important part of our family lives. Our fur babies need time and attention too which sometimes our pet parents cannot provide because of long work hours, vacation plans along with a multitudes of other life factors. Continue reading →